Need some advise please on alarm systems. I've gotten some quotes from the local AR companies in our area (have not yet tried the national ones, as I've heard and seen how their service levels are) and this stuff is by no means cheap, I'm working on a limited budget here.

My thinking is to go with a DIY system and then get the "radio link thingy" to connect to the AR. So far I've seen two systems that look ok,but my knowledge of this is non-existent. Can the guys in the know please comment on these two systems, or suggest alternatives. Both of these look like basic indoor systems, but I want to add external perimeter beams. I've done some reading on alarms and it would seem as if though the jury is still out on the wired vs. wireless debate.

At the end of the day I want an early warning system, so that I know the moment a "visitor" gets onto my property and into the house/garage, etc. It should be able to set it so that when at home at night I can arm all external zones and entrances and then a "night" mode where only the sleeping area is bypassed and everything else inside and outside is armed. Currently things like cellphone/internet communication are nice to haves, as I will mostly be relying on the system when at home.

My understanding is that with both of these systems I can add additional passives/ door contacts, etc until all the zones are used up?

Sorry for all the questions, but as I mentioned, I have no knowledge of these things.

OPTION 1:

Device : Security Alarm System
Type : 16 Protection Zone - 8 Wired & 8 Wireless
Feature(s) :
  • 16 Different Protection Zones
  • 8 Wired Zones - LED Displayed
  • 8 Wireless Zones - LED Displayed
  • Alarm Control Panel Features :
    • Telescopic Antenna
    • Program Switch ON/OFF
    • Power + Siren + 2 Telephone + MIC Jacks
    • 16 Zone LED's
    • Keypad
    • Buttons : Arm, Disarm, Help, Setup, Program, Record, Clear-off
Frequency : Alarm Control Panel : 433.92MHz / 315MHz
Remote Control : 433.92MHz / 315MHz
Wireless Doorgap Sensor : 433.92MHz / 315MHz
Detection Range : Remote Controller : 30m
Wireless Door Gap Sensor : 30m
Power Input : Alarm Control Panel : 9VDC
Remote Controller : 12VDC
Wireless Door Gap Sensor : 12VDC
System Includes :
  • 1 x Alarm Control Panel : Main Unit of the Alarm System
  • 2 x Remote Controllers
  • 3 x Panic Button Units
  • 5 x Wireless Infrared Motion Activated Sensors
  • 2 x Door / Window Magnetic Detectors
  • 1 x Output Sirens : 120dB
  • 1 x Power Supply Unit for Control Panel : 9VDC 300mA


OPTION 2:

Device : 20 Zone Alarm Panel 16 Wireless Zones 433mHz + 4 Wired Zones
Feature(s) :
  • Alarm Panel 16 Wireless Zones + 4 Wired Zones
  • LCD Display with Clock
  • Supports up to 5 Wireless Remote Controllers
  • Programmable Relay Output
  • Arm / Disarm via Remote
  • Logs 40 Events at any given time
  • Automatic Timing for Arm/Disarm
  • Built In Transmitter
  • Alarm Mode : Siren or Voice Alarm
  • Automatic Timing for Arm/Disarm
  • Protection Zone Selectable
  • Alarm for Low Battery, AC Power Loss and Telephone Line Loss status
  • Real Time Clock
  • Voice Recording
  • Anti Tamper
  • Automatically Dials Alarm Center, user’s Cellphone or Landline Telephone with voice message of the system status as soon as the System Alarms


  • Accessories : Remote Controller, PIR, Mag Switch option


  • System Includes :
    • 1 x Control Panel
    • 2 x Remote Controls
    • 1 x Wireless PIR
    • 1 x Magnetic Door Switches
Specifications :
  • Input Voltage : 100~240VAC
  • Operating Voltage of Control Panel : 12VDC
  • Operating Current : 130mA
  • Wireless Frequency : 433MHz
  • Record Time : 4 Sec
  • Dimensions : 250mm×150mm×45mm
  • Effective Remote Control Distance : 50m open

Are these the correct things to use as outside perimeter beams?
Are these the correct things to use as outside perimeter beams?
Device : Photo Electric IR Beam Detector
Type : Dual
Feature(s) :
  • Adjustable Beam Interruption Period
  • Highly Durable and Heat Resistant Housing Cover
  • Frost and Dew Protection
  • High Grade Aspherical Lens
  • Twin Synchronized Pulsed Beams Designed for Greater Stability
  • 99.5% Beam Blocking Stability
  • Quick Optical and Voltage alignment to speed up positioning
  • Automatic Gain Control Circuit
Detection Range : 30m Outdoor
90m Indoor
Power Input : 13.8~24VDC
11~18VAC
Power Consumption : 40mA max
Interruption Period : 50~700ms (Selectable)
Alarm Period : 2sec Nominal
Alarm Output : Form C Relay
AC/DC30V 0.5Amax
Alignment Angle : ±5° Vertical
±90° Horizontal